receptor

noun

re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər 

: receiver: such as

a

: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ

b

: a chemical group or molecule (such as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus

Examples of receptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using a global health research network called TriNetX containing data from more than 145 million patient records, the researchers found data from people with cancer who started GLP-1 receptor agonists after their diagnosis. —Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

Researchers also found that patients with tumors who had higher GLP-1 receptor levels tended to live longer overall. —Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 May 2026

Flying insects, in particular, are likely too small to rely on gravity and their sensory receptors alone to stay aligned with the horizon. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026

By comparison, semaglutide works on one receptor (GLP-1) while tirzepatide works on two receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 21 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing receptor

• alpha-receptor
• beta-receptor
• selective estrogen receptor modulator
• stretch receptor
• T cell receptor

Rhymes for receptor

• acceptor
• preceptor
• adrenoceptor
• baroreceptor
• photoreceptor
• chemoreceptor
• interceptor
• scepter
• sceptre

Kids Definition

receptor

noun

re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər 

1

: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ

2

: a molecule (as protein) on the surface or in the inside of a cell that recognizes and joins to specific molecules causing a certain activity within the cell to begin

Medical Definition

receptor

noun

re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər 

1

: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ

2

: a chemical group or molecule (as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus

3

: a cellular entity (as a beta-receptor or alpha-receptor) that is a postulated intermediary between a chemical agent (as a neurohormone) acting on nervous tissue and the physiological or pharmacological response